Environmental pollution due to industrial activities has been reported since 1760, dating back to the first industrial revolution. One industrial activity that has led to major environmental degradation is coal mining, which can pollute surface and underground water due to acid mine drainage (AMD). Phytoremediation is low-cost, applicable, environmental, and does not generate other waste materials. In this research, we analyze the utilization of Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes for AMD treatment. The results indicated that the AMD initially contained Fe, Mn, Al, Ca, and Mg. E. crassipes successfully reduced these contents by up to 69%, while P. stratiotes removed up to 62%. A cost analysis for phytoremediation of AMD is designed in terms of two schemes, with 4298 USD for the first scheme and no cost in the second scheme. The post-harvest potential, future research directions, and bibliometric analysis are also discussed. Overall, the results of this study indicate that P. stratiotes and E. crassipes are plants with great potential for AMD phytoremediation.

In December 2019, an outbreak of unknown pneumonia emerged in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It was later identified as the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has since infected over 9 million people in more than 213 countries worldwide. Massive papers on the topic of SARS-CoV-2 that have already been published are necessary to be analyzed and discussed. This paper used the combination of systematic literature network analysis and content analysis to develop a comprehensive discussion related to the use of nanotechnology and materials in environmental and human protection. Its is shown that various efforts have been made to control the transmission of this pandemic. Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in modern vaccine design, as nanomaterials are essential tools for antigen delivery, adjuvants, and mimics of viral structures. In addition, nanomaterials and nanotechnology also reported a crucial role in environmental protection for defence and treating the pandemic. To eradicate pandemics now and in the future, successful treatments must enable rapid discovery, scalable manufacturing, and global distribution. In this review, we discuss the current approaches to COVID-19 development and highlight the critical role of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in combating the virus in the human body and the environment.

Background/Objectives: Solvent-intensive methods are traditionally required to extract curcumin, a potent bioactive compound from Curcuma longa, raising environmental and safety concerns. Methods: This study introduces an efficient and scalable extraction approach using microwave–ultrasound-assisted extraction (MUAE) combined with a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of choline chloride and lactic acid. Process parameters, including solvent water content (20–30% v/v) and solid loading (4–8% w/v), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance curcumin yield. Results: Under optimal conditions (20% water content and 8% solid loading), the MUAE method achieved a curcumin content of 40.72 ± 1.21 mg/g, representing a 14.36% improvement over conventional ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), while reducing solvent usage by 50%. The quadratic model demonstrated excellent predictive capability, with an R² value of 0.98. In addition, anti-solvent precipitation using water increased curcuminoid purity from 0.31% to 20.54%, with a recovery rate of 21.49%. Conclusions: Mechanistic analysis revealed that microwave-induced cell disruption, ultrasound cavitation, and the modulation of NADES viscosity contributed synergistically to the enhanced extraction performance. This study is the first to combine MUAE with NADES for optimized curcumin extraction, delivering both high yield and reduced solvent consumption. The proposed method offers a sustainable and industrially relevant alternative for curcumin recovery in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Coal-mining activities have well-documented adverse effects on both the environment and human health. Acid mine drainage, a pivotal concern, necessitates effective interventions. This study introduces a novel solution: a modified constructed wetlands crafted exclusively from waste materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness. The innovation yielded exceptional results, achieving a noteworthy reduction of up to 99% in heavy metal concentrations, alongside swift pH normalization. What sets this study apart is its potential beyond the laboratory setting; the utilization of waste materials and low-cost methodologies underscores its scalability and practicality. This solution addresses immediate challenges and showcases promise for real-world implementation. Moreover, the results of the study extend to its insights, which offer a comprehensive examination of the method’s reusability prospects, illuminating its sustained impacts; the recommendations for future action enhance its practical significance. This study marks a significant advancement in tackling acid mine drainage. The modified constructed wetlands, driven by cost-effective waste materials, embody scalable and sustainable potential. With its holistic outlook and strategic roadmap, this study holds the key to transforming acid mine drainage challenges, particularly in rural and developing regions.